What are the best alternatives to the Costa Smeralda? 5 lesser-known destinations in Sardinia
Navigate the article:
- Portobello di Gallura: Unassuming Luxury on the Gallura Coast
- San Teodoro: Sardinia's "Little Tahiti" on the eastern coast
- Golfo di Orosei: Italy's most unspoilt sea
- Stintino: La Pelosa and the still-authentic north-west coast
- Villasimius: the south that competes with the north for sea quality
The Costa Smeralda is one of the most iconic beach destinations in the Mediterranean, and will remain so for a long time. But those who know it well are aware that August in Porto Cervo is an experience that requires tolerance for crowds, patience in traffic and a budget significantly higher than the rest of the island. The question that the most experienced travellers ask themselves is not whether Sardinia is worth a visit, but where to go in Sardinia to find the same quality of sea, the same exclusivity of accommodation with only a fraction of the crowds.
There is an answer, and it is beautifully multifaceted. Sardinia is an island with nearly 2,000 km of coastline, and the Costa Smeralda occupies only a limited portion of it. What lies beyond, in many cases, is equally beautiful, less crowded and still accessible to those who know where to look. This guide selects five destinations worth considering, with a precise eye on those also seeking a prestigious private villa as their personal retreat.
Portobello di Gallura: Unassuming Luxury on the Gallura Coast
Portobello di Gallura is, in many ways, what the Costa Smeralda was before it became famous. A peninsula in the north-east of Sardinia, in the Gallura, with 3 km of practically private coastline, white sand coves reachable only by boat or on foot through Mediterranean scrub trails, and a level of privacy that Porto Cervo can no longer guarantee in high season.
There are no luxury boutiques, no marina with superyachts, far from the usual evening crowds of a town square. There is the sea, where the water shifts effortlessly from shimmering turquoise to deep emerald even when the wind drops, and there is a quiet that high-end travellers are seeking with increasing urgency.
In areas like this, average water temperatures reach their peak between August and September, around 24-25°C, making it an ideal destination for those who want to extend the season beyond Ferragosto.
Raro Villas has in Portobello di Gallura some of its most exclusive properties. Villa Vega is an exceptional property with two independent villas for 20 guests, 24/7 security, pool and exclusive access to 3 km of coastline with white sand coves, plus on-request services (private chef, catamaran, transfers, luxury car hire). Villa Luce offers 7 bedrooms with a light-bulb-shaped pool and breathtaking sea views, bookable as two independent villas for extended families or groups of friends.
Read also: Puglia or Sardinia? How to choose the right destination for your exclusive villa holiday
San Teodoro: Sardinia's "Little Tahiti" on the eastern coast
South of the Costa Smeralda, along the eastern coast, San Teodoro has in recent years become one of the most sought-after destinations for travellers who want a different kind of compromise: less ostentatious glamour than Porto Cervo, but beaches that compete with any Mediterranean destination for water quality and landscape beauty.
Cala Brandinchi, nicknamed "Little Tahiti" for the colours of the sea, is one of the most transparent-watered beaches on the entire island. San Teodoro also offers fashionable venues and nightlife, making it one of the Sardinian destinations best suited to those who want to combine sea quality with a quality evening entertainment offer. Behind Spiaggia La Cinta, the serene lagoon is home to pink flamingos—a sight that turns an ordinary beach day into something extraordinary.
San Teodoro is about 45 minutes from Olbia-Costa Smeralda airport, a direct connection that makes it easily accessible without crossing the entire Gallura. Those seeking a private villa in the area can explore the Raro Villas selection among properties in northern Sardinia, which include structures reachable from Olbia in under an hour.
Golfo di Orosei: Italy's most unspoilt sea
The Golfo di Orosei is perhaps the definitive alternative to the Costa Smeralda. While not necessarily quieter in peak summer, it offers an untamed, wilderness-first experience that Porto Cervo simply cannot match. The coves of the Gulf, from Cala Goloritzé to Cala Luna, from Cala Sisine to Cala Biriola, are accessible only by boat or through demanding trekking trails. No roads reach them. No kiosks, no hired sunbeds.
Cala Goloritzé, on the eastern coast of Sardinia, is celebrated for its wild and unspoilt beauty and was declared a Natural Monument in 1995. In 2025 it was named the most beautiful beach in the world by one of the leading international rankings. The limestone spire of L'Aguglia, 143 metres high, dominates the cove with a scenic presence that photographs never fully capture.Chilled by subterranean springs, the water here is cooler than in neighboring coves and boasts an almost surreal turquoise hue.
The ideal base for exploring the Gulf is Cala Gonone or Orosei, both reachable by car from the inland. From here, boat excursions are organised that allow visitors to reach multiple coves in the same day. For those who want to combine this experience with a stay in a prestigious villa, Raro Villas properties in northern and central Sardinia are the starting point from which to build your itinerary with the team's support.
Stintino: La Pelosa and the still-authentic north-west coast
Stintino lies in the north-west of Sardinia, on the Capo del Falcone peninsula, about an hour and a half from Olbia but reachable in similar times from Alghero-Fertilia airport. It is one of the island's most iconic destinations for the absolute quality of its sea, with Spiaggia La Pelosa considered among the most beautiful beaches in Europe: very pale sand, shallow turquoise water and the Aragonese Tower emerging from the water just metres from the shore.
Access to La Pelosa is limited and requires online booking, introduced to protect a delicate environmental balance, and this is in fact an advantage for those who choose it: the limited numbers guarantee that the beach never reaches the August overcrowding levels that until a few years ago made it practically inaccessible during the central hours of the day.
The Stintino area has different characteristics from north-eastern Sardinia: the terrain is flatter, the Mediterranean scrub changes character, and the tuna fishing tradition has left traces in the local culture still found in the town's trattorias. It is a less fashionable and more authentic Sardinia, well suited to a private villa stay away from the Costa Smeralda's social media circuit.
Villasimius: the south that competes with the north for sea quality
Villasimius is at the far south-east of Sardinia, within the Marine Protected Area of Capo Carbonara, and represents perhaps the greatest surprise for those yet to discover it: a sea that for transparency and colour owes nothing to the Costa Smeralda, with beaches like Punta Molentis and Porto Giunco regularly appearing in international rankings among the finest in Europe.
Villasimius is renowned for its turquoise waters and white sand beaches, and the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area offers rich marine biodiversity ideal for snorkelling and diving. The protected area limits some activities but guarantees water quality and marine wildlife presence that are simply not found in other stretches of Sardinian coast.
The logistical advantage of Villasimius is its proximity to Cagliari airport (about 45 minutes), which offers many more international connections than Olbia, especially outside the peak season. Villa Rei, available in the Muravera area just 16 km from Villasimius, is the Raro Villas proposal for those who want to stay in this part of the island with the privacy of a private residence.
To explore the full selection of Raro Villas properties in Sardinia, from the exclusive Portobello di Gallura residences to the southern coast properties, the team is available via the contact page for a personalised proposal based on destination, dates and group profile.
Where to go to the beach in Italy in September? The best destinations for extending summer in an exclusive villa
Navigate the article:
- Puglia in September: Warm Seas and Uncrowded Beaches
- Sardinia in September: peak water temperatures and quiet glamour
- The key advantages of booking a luxury villa in September
- What to do in September in Raro Villas destinations: beyond the beach
September is the month that the most experienced travellers keep for themselves. Beaches empty out, the water reaches its peak temperature of the year, prices fall and restaurants return to working with care. Those who have spent August in an exclusive villa already know: extending summer by a few weeks in the right destination turns what could be a simple holiday postponement into something qualitatively superior.
This guide is for those who want to understand where it is genuinely worth going to the beach in Italy in September, with a precise focus on the quality of the experience: not just water temperature and beach crowding, but also the availability of luxury villas, masserias and prestigious residences where the summer season extends in full comfort.
Puglia in September: Warm Seas and Uncrowded Beaches
Puglia benefits more than almost any other region from the shift into September. The reason is simple: the Ionian sea, which washes the western Salento between Gallipoli and Porto Cesareo, accumulates heat throughout the summer and in September reaches temperatures between 24 and 26°C in the first half of the month, with values still above 22-24°C in the second half. The Ionian coast tends to be 1-2°C warmer than the Adriatic side, and many locals consider September their favourite month for swimming because the water retains the summer heat while the air becomes pleasantly cool.
In Gallipoli, average sea temperatures hover around 25.4°C—the highest anywhere along the Salento coast this month. Iconic beaches like Baia Verde and Punta della Suina lose their heavy August crowds while keeping their crystal-clear waters. Top beach clubs stay open, offering attentive service without the frantic wait times.
Staying in a villa in Salento in September also comes with distinct practical advantages: popular areas like Valle d'Itria and Ostuni should still be booked 2 to 4 weeks ahead (as September grows more popular with insider travelers), airport transfers can easily be set up just 5 to 7 days out, and getting a table at great local restaurants rarely takes more than a same-day call.
- Gallipoli and the Ionian Salento: water up to 25°C, free beaches accessible, lidos open without queues
- Ostuni and the Adriatic coast: sea between 24 and 26°C, Parco delle Dune Costiere in ideal conditions, end-of-summer festivals and markets in the historic towns
- Porto Cesareo and Santa Maria di Leuca: crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Taranto, shallow seabed and white sand, ideal for families and snorkelling
Among Raro Villas' properties in this area: Masseria Lamagrotte, just 800 metres from the sea at Ostuni's Parco delle Dune Costiere, with 11 bedrooms and 21 beds among centuries-old olive trees, is the ideal September choice for large groups wanting to combine beach, countryside and local gastronomy.
Read also: Puglia or Sardinia? How to choose the right destination for your exclusive villa holiday
Sardinia in September: peak water temperatures and quiet glamour
In Sardinia, September has a solid and well-deserved reputation among those who know the island well. The sea is at its thermal peak of the year, between 26 and 28°C. Beaches empty out almost overnight after 10 September and restaurants return to cooking with care. Prices drop by 30-40%.
In Porto Cervo and across the Costa Smeralda, the month of September marks a shift in pace that is less about winding down and more about refinement: the remaining crowd is international, discerning, and focused on quality over quantity. Every September, the region hosts the Sardinia Cup sailing regatta, filling Porto Cervo’s marina with world-class yachts and making it one of the most exclusive scenes in the Mediterranean autumn.
In areas like Olbia, average water temperatures reach their highest point between August and September, around 24-25°C. This is why September is so popular among those who want to enjoy long swims without the full crowding of Ferragosto.
At Portobello di Gallura, the situation is even more favourable: the coves reachable only by boat, accessible in high season only in the early morning hours, become available for most of the day in September. This effortless atmosphere is exactly what properties like Villa Vega were built for. Designed as two independent villas hosting up to 20 guests, it offers private access to 3 km of coastline filled with white-sand bays, along with on-demand amenities like private chefs, catamaran charters, transfers, and luxury vehicle hires. What would require meticulous planning in July unfolds with effortless ease in September.
Among other Raro Villas properties in Sardinia for September: Villa Luce at Portobello di Gallura, with 7 bedrooms and pool, bookable as two independent villas for extended families or groups of friends, and Villa Le Vele in Arzachena, 2 km from Porto Cervo, with a private 1,500 sqm garden and panoramic terrace overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The key advantages of booking a luxury villa in September
Anyone who has stayed in an exclusive villa in Puglia or Sardinia during both August and September will rarely choose August again if they can avoid it.
The first being the quality of daily life: no traffic along the backroads, no queues at beach entry points, and no waiting at the morning fish market. Everything runs seamlessly. The second advantage is price: high-end villa rates in September are, on average, 30% to 45% lower than during the peak of July and August—substantial savings that become immediately noticeable on a one- or two-week stay.
The third advantage, often overlooked, is the culinary experience: September coincides with the grape harvest (vendemmia) in Puglia and a return to unhurried, attentive service at top local restaurants that operate at maximum capacity in August. Wineries throughout the Itria Valley host exclusive tastings and tours, while farmers' markets showcasing late-summer produce—from ripe figs and heritage tomatoes to early-harvest olives—are at their absolute best.
To check availability of Raro Villas properties in the destinations covered in this guide for September and October 2026, the fastest way is to contact the team directly or to browse availability in the villas section. The central weeks of September, from the 7th to the 21st, offer the best balance of climate, availability and pricing.
What to do in September in Raro Villas destinations: beyond the beach
September opens up a whole range of experiences that are simply too hot or crowded to enjoy in August.
In Puglia, daytime temperatures settle into a comfortable 25–28°C, making afternoon strolls through historic whitewashed towns genuinely enjoyable. Destinations like Ostuni, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Alberobello, and Martina Franca, places you could only comfortably visit at dawn or dusk in August, can be explored at a relaxed pace all day long.
In Sardinia, September offers perfect conditions to explore inland Gallura, tasting wines at boutique vineyards in Arzachena, or visiting ancient stone nuraghi and historic villages that get overlooked during peak summer. In Porto Cervo, the sailing season brings a refined, energetic pulse to the town.
Across both regions, overall service reaches its peak in September. Private chefs, boat charters, and custom wine-tasting tours are far easier to book and far more tailored than during the summer rush. Guests at any Raro Villas property can arrange these experiences directly through our team and our trusted local network.
Mercatino del Gusto in Maglie: Between Food & Wine Excellence and Salento Traditions
Navigate the article:
- Mercatino del Gusto in Maglie: Street Food Elegance and Fine Cuisine in the Heart of Salento
- Maglie and its Historic Center: The Baroque Gem of Courtyards and Local Culture
- How to Choose Your Gourmet Experience: Guided Tasting Routes or Tradition Immersion?
- Book Your Stay at Corte dei Granai
Central Apulia and Salento are full of quiet wonders: Baroque piazzas, hidden courtyards, and the irresistible aromas of local cooking. When you stay in a historic Salento home, food and wine aren't just meals, they’re a huge part of how you experience the culture and rhythm of daily life.
Experiencing authentic Apulian food is all about knowing where to go. This summer highlight brings together two sides of local gastronomy: interactive tasting sessions with artisanal food stalls, set against the backdrop of a historic center steeped in culture and tradition.
Here is the guide to the Mercatino del Gusto in Maglie, the iconic culinary event that transforms the city into an open-air lounge every August.
Mercatino del Gusto in Maglie: Street Food Elegance and Fine Cuisine in the Heart of Salento
Winding through Maglie’s charming piazzas, the Mercatino del Gusto is the ultimate stop for tasting real Apulian food, a place where authentic flavors, farming traditions, and top-quality food take center stage.
Far from your average crowded food fair, this event does things a bit differently. It takes over the town with themed "streets" dedicated to olive oil, wine, cheeses, homemade pasta, and local pastries. As day turns to night, the mood shifts: late afternoon is perfect for a relaxed stroll through the stalls, while the evening brings historic courtyards to life with guided tastings, cooking demos, and live music.
The food and wine selection is the true highlight of the event: offerings range from traditional Salento recipes to gourmet street food created by top local artisans, paired with an extensive wine list highlighting the finest Apulian wineries, from Negroamaro to Primitivo.
For visitors staying nearby, Mercatino del Gusto is the ideal choice for an unforgettable evening of great food, where every bite is designed to showcase the very best of local culture.
Pro Tip: During the event days, booking workshops and tables in the historic courtyards well in advance is highly recommended.
Maglie and its Historic Center: The Baroque Gem of Courtyards and Local Culture
Walking through the streets of Maglie, you're constantly met with beautiful views around every corner. It really is one of Salento's most charming and well-preserved towns, rich in both culture and local trade. Characterized by elegant Baroque architecture, noble palaces, and historic courtyards, the city provides a stunning backdrop for a celebration of local land and produce.
What makes Mercatino del Gusto so special is how quiet its presence is. Rather than taking over, the festival simply becomes part of Maglie’s historic center. As you walk through, you're greeted by the rich scent of wild herbs, freshly baked bread, and roasting coffee—a gentle invitation to get lost in the alleys and experience Salento as the locals know it.
Beyond the food stalls, Maglie features artisan shops and artistic corners where you can buy handcrafted goods or enjoy a coffee in the piazza, just steps away from major historical landmarks.
For guests visiting Salento, Maglie and its Mercatino del Gusto are the ideal destination for an evening of culinary discovery, art, and strolls under the summer light displays.
How to Choose Your Gourmet Experience: Guided Tasting Routes or Tradition Immersion?
Mercatino del Gusto caters to different desires and holiday styles:
- Choose the taste routes and workshops if: you are looking for a guided experience led by sommeliers and experts, love discovering the nuances of Apulian oils and wines, and wish to sample gourmet dishes made from farm-to-table ingredients.
- Choose a stroll through the courtyards and food stalls if: you enjoy a festive atmosphere, want to taste traditional street food like bombette and pittule, and prefer to wander freely among tempting scents and live music.
Book Your Stay at Corte dei Granai
To best plan your experience at Mercatino del Gusto and enjoy an unforgettable stay in the heart of Salento, book your room at Corte dei Granai and indulge in a holiday filled with elegance, relaxation, and tradition.
To learn more about the event, visit the official Instagram page: @mercatinodelgusto.it.